I feel humbled that during Ram Janmabhoomi movement, destiny made me perform a pivotal duty: LK Advani
BJP veteran LK Advani -- who put the Ayodhya Ram Temple front and centre of the issues championed by the party -- spoke up on the eve of the ground-breaking ceremony of the temple, saying it was "a historical and emotional day not only for me but for all Indians".
"Destiny made me perform a pivotal duty in the form of Ram Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya in 1990 which helped galvanise aspirations, energies and passions of its countless participants," said Mr Advani, who became the face of the temple movement, with his rath yatras dominating politics in the late-'80s and early '90s.
The 92-year-old, who described tomorrow's ceremony as a "dream close to my heart", will, however not attend it in person. He and the other party veteran, Murli Manohar Joshi, will instead be present via videoconference.
After a huge controversy during which it seemed that they would not get an invitation, the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust -- entrusted with the task of temple building -- issued them last-minute telephonic invite.
"It is my belief that this temple will inspire all Indians to imbibe His virtues," the 92-year-old said in a video statement this evening.
"It is also my belief that Shri Ram Mandir will represent India as a strong, prosperous, peaceful and harmonious nation with justice for all and exclusion of none so that we can truly usher in Ram Rajya, the epitome of good governance," he added in the video statement.
